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'Homeland' sets new series record on Showtime

December 19, 2011 | 2:37
pm

The first-season finale of terrorism thriller “Homeland" was the highest-rated finale for a freshman series in Showtime’s history, with 1.71 million viewers for its 10 p.m. airing — and 2.03 million for the night.

The finale — which drew mixed reactions from viewers, judging from readers' comments on some of its recaps — was up 58% from its Oct. 2 premiere, which drew 1.08 million viewers. And it has helped the series elbow its way to being among the network’s elite, ranking as Showtime’s No. 2-rated series behind Dexter, the network said. But it still has a ways to go in usurping the top spot; “Dexter,” which aired its Season 6 finale Sunday, drew 2.23 million viewers at its 9 p.m. slot.